Thursday, October 25, 2007

Halloween is just around the corner. I've noticed the bulk boxes of chips and candy piling up in the grocery store for a few weeks now. As Clean Eaters we're not so inclined to eat all of these fatty and sugary treats, but how can we convince our kids? Here are my suggestions for making Halloween as CLEAN as possible for the whole family:

1. Limit Halloween candy. Some kids will go out with three different pillowcases! Remember: you are teaching your whole family about Clean Eating. I'm not suggesting for a second that you tell your child/children "No Halloween," just be reasonable. They don't need enough candy from one night to last them a year. Let your kids have some extra treats on Halloween itself, but then limit it.

2. Have your children pick out two treats for each day. Put these treats in a plastic bag and label them with the date. They can be kept in their room, or in the freezer. Each day you can give your child/children the bag of treats with the day's date. This way it's very difficult for you to take their candy (they will know it's gone) and you'll also be helping to control their candy consumption.

3. Limit your candy consumption. Decide that each Friday, for example, you will have a treat. Get a baggy and label it with the date you're going to have it. Be sure you'll be able to stick to those dates. If you can't, get yourself some bubble bath and candles and when you are craving candy, have a nice hot bath instead. You could also buy flavored coffee such as mocha hazelnut. Have a cup of that with some warm milk for a treat.

4. Treat alternatives. You don't have to give out Halloween candy at your house. Go to a wholesalers or dollar store and buy costume jewelry, bouncy balls and other small, inexpensive toys. Let each child choose their own toy. Kids love this stuff and leftovers can be used for birthday party goody bags.

I'd love to hear any other ideas from my fellow Clean Eaters. Leave a comment with your suggestions!

Wow! What a killer weekend. Not only did I speak at Jenny Hendershott's Toronto Phat Camp on Friday evening, I also participated. I can't remember the last time my legs were this sore. I had to soak in a bath of Epsom salts to encourage healing in my legs. I usually enjoy the sweet pain I feel in my muscles after a hard workout, but I believe this was a moment where I overdid it.

There were 100 very determined participants at the camp, including 5 pregnant ladies! I was very impressed. Jen is the real deal! She pushes hard, strives hard and is extremely inspirational. Her bootcamp expertise along with my Q & A session really gave the crew a very well -rounded experience.

Training plateaus are easily reached and bootcamps are an excellent way to keep things fresh. You can overcome self-esteem issues or try something you've never done before. They are an excellent way to put the heat back into your training routines. Boredom at the gym is a one-way ticket to failure... who wants to do something that bores them? Not me, that's for sure! So take advantage of opportunities to spice things up and keep it fresh. Reading an issue of Oxygen never hurts!

On that note, we're working hard to put the finishing touches on the Eat-Clean Diet Workout book. It will be out in January and will be full of info on starting, maintaining and switching-up your workouts.

Keep up the good work and continue to Eat Clean for health and for life.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

I would like to wish congratulations to my older sister, Martina, who will be celebrating her graduation today. The ladies in my family certainly seem to be late bloomers! This will be my sister's 2nd university graduation, and she will finally be receiving the degree she has always wanted! I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. She got a second chance and ran with it! I can't wait to celebrate with her.

I did the same thing in my life. I realized I wasn't happy where I was and needed to get out and move on. I was so lucky to be granted another opportunity to live my life to its fullest potential. I grabbed the bull by the horns, so to speak, and took advantage. Not only did I make a difference in my life, but I can now do the same for you. But you have to help me...

Take advantage of this opportunity. It is NEVER too late to start. You have been given this wonderful body full of life and it's your privilege to take care of it and maintain its optimum health. Eating Clean, training hard, sleeping well, working hard and loving life are all gifts that you can give to your body. It will reward you! Living out your best life is your way of saying "thank you" for being granted the opportunity to live. I want to celebrate with you, too!

So a BIG congratulations to my big sister for doing it... and a BIG shout of encouragment to you... you CAN do it!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Well the cold has set in up here in Toronto. It was a blustery, rainy weekend that had me wrapped up in sweats. My workouts were a great way to warm me up, and I put together a lovely chicken noodle soup for my family. Delicious! I live in the country and the fall colours are in full force. It makes for a beautiful drive from the market where I buy my favourite Clean Eating foods to my home. Take the time to notice the changing season around you. That is if you're not living in the south where I'm sure it's still warm!

The last few weeks have been quite busy promoting the Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook and preparing for the Eat-Clean Diet Workout book. I forced myself to take Saturday off from work and spend some time with my children and a good book I haven't picked up in quite some time. Make sure that you're taking some time to enjoy life, too. You're eating well, your exercising, and you emit tons of energy and vitality... share it with those around you who you love.

If you don't take a few moments to relax life will pass you by. Eating Clean is about more than 6 meals a day and exercising on a regular basis. It's about being in your best state of health so you can do the things you love most.

Today, as I get back to the grind, I appreciate the time I took this weekend to put my feet up...

So ask yourself today... did you take time to relax this weekend and say thank you to yourself for all that you do in day?

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

I apologize for the delay in updating all of you on the happenings in the Eat-Clean World. I shot the video for the Eat-Clean Diet Workout book last week. We had a couple of very long days. This book will be out in January so we have a lot to do! Then, as my Canadian fans know, it was Thanksgiving Weekend.

A Happy Belated Thanksgiving to all of you! I hope some of you tried out the recipes from the "A Festive Occassion" section of the Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook. My family and I enjoyed the Roasted Bison Tenderloin, Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Brown Rice and Apple Stuffing, Low-Fat Gravy and Cranberry Sauce. Of course, we're still enjoying it because there are plenty of leftovers!

I had a lot to be thankful for this weekend because both the Eat-Clean Diet and the Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook have been great successes.

I am happy to announce the Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook was #1 in its first week!

This is all because of you!! Thank you so much for supporting me and believing in me. All I want to do is share my passion for a healthy lifestyle with you and motivate you to do the same!

Keep up the good work and remember to Eat Clean for health and for life!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

What a great weekend in Miami. The Hotel Victor was fantastic and the JNL crew put together a wonderful event. I had an excellent time interacting with 30 wonderful women who gave it their all at the High Octane Bikini Boot Camp. I was happy to spread the word of Clean Eating and give all of you some inspirational words... it's never too late!

It's seems more and more of you are picking up the vibe of Clean Eating. You all know how important it is to lead lives that are as healthy as possible. I am thrilled to share as much information as I can with you! Keep an eye out for me today on your local Tampa and St. Petersburg Fox TV station where I can give you even more information on Eating Clean!

I'll be heading back to Canada this afternoon and I'm eager to kick up my personal Clean Eating a notch as I begin to shoot the workout DVD for the Eat-Clean Workout Book. I want to hear your excitement for this one. I know you've all been asking for it!